Karen Placer, 76, of Smethport, PA, (born Karen Renae Flickinger) passed away peacefully at her home on July 27, 2024.

She was born on February 28, 1948 in Kane, Pennsylvania to Earl Flickinger (Father) and Louise (Carrow) Flickinger (Mother).  Karen graduated from Smethport Area High School in 1966.  Karen shared many great years of marriage with Anthony “Tony” Placer who she married on December 12, 1970 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Smethport. 

Karen worked for several years at Sylvania Electric in Emporium, Pennsylvania.  During her life, Karen also provided cleaning/housekeeping services to numerous families and formed lasting friendships with those people she served.  She treated their homes like her own; she wanted each home to be “spotless.”

Karen and Tony’s greatest life work was raising their three children, Cory, Toni, and Brock.  Karen and Tony never missed a sporting event, or a concert, or an activity that their kids took part in and later, they enjoyed attending all of their grandchildren’s activities.  Karen joyfully shared pictures of her family with friends and other relatives whenever she received new photos.  Her smile and her laugh were contagious, especially when she recalled good memories, saw a funny picture, or heard a good joke. 

Karen was actively involved and thoroughly enjoyed the close friendships she formed and functions she attended with TOPS and the Smethport Senior Center.  She absolutely adored and loved spending time with her grandchildren and dog “Cocoa” and would never turn down an opportunity to go out to dinner or go shopping with family and friends.  Sending and receiving flowers were gestures that Karen loved; she also loved ice cream sundaes from the Tastee Freeze and treasured summer vacations to Florida beaches with her children and grandchildren.  After suffering the deep loss of her son, Brock, Karen will be remembered for gently supporting her family members and others through their sadness and struggles.  Perhaps the most special quality of the numerous qualities that Karen possessed was her kindness, particularly to those dealing with pain or loss in their lives.  Karen was known for reaching out by phone or sending cards to others to express deep love, sympathy, and care for their pain, suffering and loss.  Karen will be fondly remembered and missed by those whose lives she touched.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents (Earl and Louise Flickinger), sister (Marsha Flickinger), and son (Brock Placer). She is survived by her husband (Anthony “Tony” Placer), son (Cory Placer), daughter (Toni Placer) and her grandchildren: Pierce Placer, Lauren Placer, Evangeline Gross, Alianna Placer, Brecken Placer and several brothers/sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3pm – 6pm on Wednesday, July 31^st at the Hilltop Baptist Church in Gifford, PA with funeral services starting at 6pm and luncheon immediately following.  Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery in Smethport. 

Those wishing to honor her life may make a donation to TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) or the Smethport Senior Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc. of Smethport.